Legal Victory Against Extended Pre-Film Advertisements
In a landmark decision, a Bengaluru consumer court has ruled against PVR Inox, India’s largest multiplex chain, for subjecting patrons to prolonged pre-film advertisements. The case was brought forward by 30-year-old Abhishek MR, who experienced a 25-minute delay due to commercials before a scheduled screening, disrupting his subsequent commitments. The court’s verdict emphasized the importance of respecting consumers’ time and deemed the practice of extended advertisements as an “unfair trade practice.” Consequently, PVR Inox has been ordered to compensate the complainant and cease the exhibition of ads beyond the scheduled showtimes.
Court’s Directives and Financial Penalties
The court directed PVR Inox to clearly display the actual start times of films on tickets, excluding the duration allocated for advertisements. Financially, the cinema chain has been ordered to pay ₹20,000 to Abhishek for mental distress, ₹8,000 to cover legal expenses, and an additional ₹1 lakh as punitive damages to be deposited into the Consumer Welfare Fund within 30 days.
Implications for the Cinema Industry
This ruling sets a significant precedent in the Indian entertainment sector, highlighting the necessity for transparency and respect for consumers’ time. It serves as a reminder to cinema operators to prioritize viewer experience over advertising revenues and may prompt a reevaluation of pre-film advertising practices across the industry.
